A Crisis of Antisemitism in American Academia

From Philadelphia to Harvard, elite institutions are failing to confront a growing antisemitism crisis.

Thousands of people gathered at Philadelphia City Hall on May 1st to observe International Workers Day. Some people were just there to listen to Democratic Party leader Bernie Sanders but they also heard “Free Palestine” chants as he spoke and saw Palestine flags from numerous people, including from a loud Revolutionary Mayday Contingent. May 1, 2025. (Photo: Joe Piette)

The incident was ugly, public, and over in a few minutes. In typical Information Age fashion, news of the incident spread like wildfire.

The sign, displayed at a Barstool Sports bar in Philadelphia, was quickly taken down. But not before dozens of patrons recorded the incident.

“F@#$ THE JEWS.”

According to Barstool Sports owner Dave Portnoy, the bar staff members responsible for acquiescing to the customer’s sign request have already been fired. The originator of the sign and its dark message has been identified as a student at a prestigious nearby university.

Dave Portnoy, who is Jewish, seems to have taken the incident personally. Addressing the sign, he posted a furious statement to X.

“We are saddened, embarrassed, and frustrated by the deplorable actions of a customer and misguided staff acting outside the scope of their duties,” Barstool Sports Sansom Street said in an official statement.

“Unfortunately, several employees ignored all of their training and the organization’s written policies regarding our zero tolerance policy for discrimination and hate,” the statement continued. “Instead, the employees…